When you’re on the road, you are regularly exposed to different traffic signs. You know the most common types like the back of your hand, but what you should know is that there are some rare traffic signs that are less likely to be seen regularly. Depending on which state you’re in or the type of area in which you’re driving, you might come across some unique signs that make you wonder what they’re for. 

To give you more insight into the not-so-typical signs that you may come across, here’s more information about lesser-known signs, what they look like, and what they mean.

Why Knowing Uncommon Signs Matters

The purpose of a traffic sign is to ensure you can make informed decisions about your route. A traffic sign might indicate that there is a high likelihood of animals crossing the road or that there is a sharp turn coming up. In any case, the goal of these signs is to prevent accidents and help you avoid fines related to crashing, running a red light, or violating a traffic law. 

Even if you have never seen a sign before, it is your responsibility to follow its guidance. Here’s more on emergency and hazard warning signs, speed and noise regulation signs, and visibility and warning signs you should be aware of. 

Emergency and Hazard Warning Signs You Should Know

Emergency and hazard warning signs tell you when something ahead is dangerous. They could also warn you about special precautions you need to take to keep yourself safe. Some emergency and hazard warning signs you may see on your travels include:

Signs for Emergency Situations

Sometimes, there will be specialty signs that let you know about emergency situations. Two of these signs include:

Emergency Detour Signs

An emergency detour sign is designed to tell drivers about incidents (such as crashes), necessary detours, and poor road conditions. If you see this sign, you will need to take another route. The sign may be pinkish-purple, yellow, or orange and say “Detour” with an arrow in the direction you need to go.

Truck Escape Ramp Signs

Truck escape ramp signs are there to let you know where you can go if your brakes go out. Normally, these signs are found on mountain hills or steep pathways. The signs will be yellow with a black border and black text. 

Hazard Prevention Signs

Hazards on the roadway are sometimes known. When they are, signs will tell you what you need to know to avoid a crash.

Soft Shoulder Signs

A soft shoulder sign tells drivers that the shoulder of the road isn’t pavement. Instead, it might be made from dirt or gravel. In any case, it isn’t safe to drive on it, and you should avoid doing so. This sign is a yellow diamond with a black border and the words “Soft Shoulder” on it. 

Low Ground Clearance Railroad Crossing Signs

If you’re in an area with a lot of railroads, you may come across the Low Ground Clearance sign. This sign, which is typically a golden or yellow diamond with a black outline and image of a truck crossing train tracks, is meant to inform you that the clearance is low. The railroad crossing has either a steep profile or a surface that is uneven, meaning you should take caution as you cross. 

Speed and Noise Regulation Signs

Speed and noise control signs are there to ensure you’re driving at an appropriate speed, get warnings about road conditions, and maintain the peacefulness of an area. 

Speed Management Signs

You know about standard speed limit signs, but sometimes, you’ll see additional mentions of appropriate speeds and when you can or cannot pass other vehicles.

Advisory Speed Signs

Advisory speed signs tell you if you should be aware of a curve, sharp turn, or other upcoming changes as well as the recommended speed. The sign will be yellow and black. 

No Passing Zone Signs

Designed as a yellow triangle pointing to the right, the “No Passing Zone” sign lets you know you cannot pass other vehicles in that area. Doing so may be hazardous.

Noise Control Signs

Trucks can be loud. Noise control signs help keep neighborhoods and specific areas on your route quieter. 

No Engine Brake Signs

One of the most important noise control signs is the no engine brake sign. The goal of this sign is to avoid the noise caused by compression brakes (your Jake brakes) and to keep neighborhoods quieter. The wording on the sign can vary, but it is usually a white or yellow sign with “No Engine Brake” or similar verbiage in black. Sometimes, the sign is white and red. 

Rare Visibility and Warning Signs To Recognize

Visibility and warning signs can let you know about unusual hazards, like hidden driveways or times when you may not be able to see well. Here are two that you should become familiar with.

Visibility-Related Signs

Can’t see well? You’ll probably notice a visibility-related sign posted on the roadway.

Hidden Driveway Signs

Homeowners and businesses may decide to put up a hidden driveway sign if it’s not easy to see an upcoming turn into a driveway. The sign can be a diamond or rectangle and is typically black and yellow. 

Limited Sight Distance Signs

When you enter an area where it’s hard to see very far in front of you, you may see a limited sight distance sign. This sign is warning you that you may come up on hazards, such as intersections or curves, quickly, so you should slow down and pay close attention to the road. This sign is normally a yellow diamond with black text. 

Animal Crossing and Seasonal Hazard Signs

The changing of the seasons can mean an uptick in animal crossings and road damage in areas where there is ice. Look for the following signs to get more information:

Deer or Livestock Crossing Signs

When you’re passing through an area where livestock may cross the road or where deer are common, you may come across deer or livestock crossing signs. These signs are also on a diamond-shaped placard with a bright yellow background. Some will have only the image of a deer or livestock. Others will say “Deer Xing” or “Livestock Crossing” in black. 

Frost Heaves Signs

Frost heaves refer to damage caused by water turning to ice. On roadways, this can mean the ground is very uneven or that potholes are likely. In areas where this damage is common, you may come across a “Frost Heaves” sign in bright orange or red. It typically says “Frost Heaves” in black. Look for either a rectangular or diamond-shaped sign. 

Travel Safely With Pride

As a truck driver, you need to do everything possible to stay safe. Knowing the signs you’ll come across can help. Be aware, and watch for what these helpful tools have to tell you. They could help you avoid a crash or near miss. At Pride Transport, we believe that this kind of continuing education and guidance makes you a better driver. Want to know more about becoming a truck driver and driving with Pride? Visit us online.